What Does Whatever Mean In A Conversation Not A Question

[gordiescotland1]

I saw my 15 year old nephew with my sister today and we were chatting away and he said he wants to do law at university. I told him that was brilliant but he would have to work really hard his response was whatever. And I chatted to him about a couple of other things like rugby and girls and everything I said he said whatever. I am curious is this a teenage thing I am 46 is it a modern saying

[Buenchico]

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Whatever

[kvalidir]

It can be anything from being said in lieu of ' yeah it is what it is' to being dismissive of someone;'s opinion or thinking something is rubbish. For example:

'You'll have to put up with it whether you like it or not'
Whatever ( We'll see about that).

'Thereasa May is the best PM ever!'
Whatever (Are you insane or stupid?)

' Oh I'm sorry that happened'
Whatever (It is what it is, only to be expected really).

[Mamyalynne]

It's a verbal 'Yawn'.

[Jackdaw33]

Short for, 'Whatever you say, I can't be arissed to discuss the matter further.

[anneasquith]

Puberty.......... Whatever .